TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Ministry launched an innovative initiative to support micro, small, and medium enterprises or MSMEs by introducing automatic vending machines that offer their products. The ministry’s special staffer Arya Sinulingga said this was prompted by requests from business players to Minister Erick Thohir.

According to him, MSME players asked Erick to help them market their products to state companies.

“First, we make it at the SOE Ministry and hope it will be available in every public place,” Arya said after the launch at the ministry’s building in Central Jakarta on Monday, November 27, 2023.

He expected the MSME vending machines to be available at train stations, airports, toll road rest areas, and SOE offices.

This pilot project was in collaboration with state lender BRI.

Muhammad Candra Utama, Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) of BRI Ultra Micro, said the vending machine would display a selection of 19 snacks produced by 11 MSMEs who were assisted by Rumah BUMN.

Candra said his side would switch the products from other supported entrepreneurs to give market opportunities to other MSMEs.

“We are launching this first vending machine as a pilot project,” he added, expecting to expand the program with the involvement of other SOEs. “We hope that the MSMEs we foster can continue to develop,” Candra said.

AMELIA RAHIMA SARI

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